The fight against racism in Europe must move beyond good intentions and become a genuine political priority, the European Economic and Social Committee says in its recently adopted opinion on the EU Anti-Racism Strategy 2026-2030.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a plenary debate with European Commission Executive Vice-President, Roxana Mînzatu, on how better protection for workers can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness. The debate focused on quality jobs and fair labour mobility, and was followed by the adoption of two related EESC opinions.
As the world celebrates the International Volunteer Year 2026 (IVY 2026), experts from across Europe gathered at an EESC hearing to underline the vital contribution that volunteers make to building resilient, prepared and cohesive societies. The hearing, organised as part of the EESC's work on the forthcoming opinion on the role of volunteering for European preparedness, explored how volunteering strengthens communities before, during and after crises.
During its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion evaluating the implementation of the EU Whistleblower Protection Directive, warning that significant gaps remain between legal protections and their practical application. The Committee calls for stronger safeguards against retaliation, better support for whistleblowers, greater involvement of civil society and a cultural shift that sees whistleblowing as a contribution to democracy, transparency and the public interest.
At its April 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion on EU competitiveness and youth entrepreneurship. Requested by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the opinion sets out how supporting young entrepreneurs can strengthen innovation, foster sustainable growth and help secure the future of Europe’s SMEs.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) placed fundamental rights, dignity and equality at the centre of its April plenary session, holding a high‑level debate on Union of Equality: Advancing LGBTIQ+ rights and banning conversion practices. The debate was followed by the adoption of two key EESC opinions calling for stronger enforcement of the EU’s LGBTIQ+ Equality Strategy 2026–2030 and a comprehensive EU‑wide ban on conversion practices.
At its March 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion on how to ensure social inclusion and independent living for persons with disabilities through high‑quality, specialised social services. Building on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021–2030, and years of civil‑society advocacy, the Committee sets out a clear roadmap to close the gap between commitments and reality.
At its March 2026 plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an exploratory opinion addressing how artificial intelligence and algorithmic management are reshaping work across Europe. Building on the Committee’s long‑standing engagement with social and employment policies, the opinion outlines a roadmap to ensure that AI strengthens workers’ rights, enhances job quality and supports a fair, competitive and inclusive digital transformation.
On 25th of March, the EESC Workers’ Group gathered together with a number of guest speakers from academia, trade unions and MEPs from the European Parliament, to discuss the current geopolitical situation, its impact on social and defence expenditure, its spillovers on supply chains and industry, and the consequences for the welfare states and workers’ rights.
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted a panel discussion highlighting the essential but undervalued work carried out largely by women across Europe. The event, held at the close of Civil Society Week, examined how invisible work supports families, communities, and entire economies, yet too often remains unrecognised, unprotected and uncompensated.
